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How to get help when experiencing intimate partner violence and financial abuse
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Banks in Canada stand firmly against intimate partner violence (IPV) and any form of abuse. Protecting Canadians from these threats requires collaboration and commitment from many stakeholders including, potentially, law enforcement.
Understanding Intimate Partner Violence
IPV is sometimes referred to as dating violence or domestic violence. It refers to harm caused by an intimate partner, a person with whom someone has or had a close personal relationship. The harm is often a result of a person looking to gain or assert power or control over their partner. It threatens the safety and security of the partner and can take many forms.1
Financial abuse is a common aspect of Intimate Partner Violence
Financial abuse, or economic abuse, is a common aspect of IPV, which involves controlling a partner’s access to financial resources and restricting their access to money, leading to economic dependence and restricted access to safety. Resources can include money, employment, basic needs such as food and children’s materials, access to education and employment, and more. Without proper resources, victims may stay with their abusive partners for a long time and may experience further detriment by their partners.
You can learn to recognize these red flags, whether you are the victim or you see it happening to someone you know:
- Forbidding a partner to work
- Undermining employment opportunities
- Controlling how money is spent
- Withholding access to money or financial information
- Running up debts in the victim’s name
By recognizing these signs, you can take steps to get help for yourself or someone you know. Remember, financial abuse is a violation of your rights. It is not your fault. If you suspect that you are a victim of financial abuse, we encourage you to seek help immediately.
How to protect against Intimate Parter Violence and financial abuse
If you are experiencing financial abuse, taking even small steps towards regaining control of your finances is crucial. Here’s what you can do:
- Open a new account in your name only
- Contact your bank and explain that you want to open an account in your name only. Opening a new bank account in your name only will help to ensure that your abuser does not have access.
- Document everything
- Keep records of financial documents, communications, and any evidence of financial abuse.
- Seek help
- Contact financial counselors, domestic violence organizations, and legal aid services for support and guidance.
- Create a safety plan
- Develop a financial safety plan that includes emergency funds, safe housing options, and a strategy for accessing money and important documents.
If you believe you may be a victim of financially abusive behaviors or harassment, we encourage you to seek help in your community immediately and contact your bank.
How banks in Canada are helping to address IPV
Banks in Canada take financial abuse seriously. Today, there are policies and procedures in place to prohibit unacceptable behaviour including harassment or abuse. Banks are also proactively working to explore solutions to help further protect vulnerable customers, while managing legal, privacy and operational considerations.
If you believe you may be a victim of financially abusive behaviors or harassment, we encourage you to seek help in your community immediately and contact your bank.
Additional Resources
The Canadian Center for Women’s Empowerment (CCFWE) is a Canadian non-profit dedicated to addressing economic abuse through education, community-based research, economic and financial empowerment, policy influencing and system change.
"Help Is Here – Economic Abuse Fact Sheet for Victims and Survivors" aims to provide crucial information, resources, and guidance to individuals who have experienced economic abuse to recognize economic abuse, seek assistance, and regain financial independence.
Other resources include:
Shelters and Crisis Services
Women’s Shelter Canada (formerly the Canadian Network of Women’s Shelters & Transition Houses): provincial and territorial shelter associations drawn together by a shared vision to end violence against women.
ShelterSafe: An online resource to help women and their children seeking safety from violence and abuse.
Legal Assistance
Canadian Bar Association: Resources and referrals for legal assistance.
Legal Aid Ontario: Provides legal services for low-income individuals.
Quebec Commission des services juridiques: Public legal service provided free of charge or with a contribution to people who meet certain financial eligibility criteria.
Domestic Violence Support Services
Canadian Women’s Foundation: Programs and services to support women in crisis.
YWCA Canada: Support services and advocacy for women and families experiencing violence.
Banks in Canada Stand Against IPV and Other Forms of Financial Abuse
Banks in Canada are exploring the role that the financial sector can play in protecting Canadians against IPV and other forms of financial abuse. If you or someone you know is experiencing financial abuse, remember that resources and support are available to help you take control of your financial future.
Disclaimer: This webpage is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are in immediate danger, call emergency services immediately.
1 Intimate partner violence and abuse | Royal Canadian Mounted Police (rcmp-grc.gc.ca)